Artists are being sought to help shape the first ever Manx art curriculum, to provide guidance for primary schools.
The curriculum is being put together by Jo Callister (pictured), Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum, and a working party of primary art teachers.
"We are moving away from specific units and allowing schools more freedom to develop the skills of art through their own ideas," Jo explained.
"The curriculum will cover areas such as printing, painting, drawing, 3D work, collage and textiles, colour, studies of artists and gallery visits."
Jo said, "Many primary schools already have excellent relationships with local artists but others don't have links to artists or their work and, until now, there hasn’t been a specific resource for primary teachers dedicated to local art.
"‘Key to the success of the Manx art curriculum will be the resources that accompany it. It is envisaged that as well as images of artists’ work there will also be 'how-to' videos, 360 degree clips of local sculptures, links to artists’ own websites and possibly webcam links to their galleries and, hopefully, a bank of artists who would be willing to visit schools to inspire and talk to the children.
"The delivery of the final curriculum will be completely IT-based, so it will be developed as more resources become available."
Jo went on, "I have already contacted some local artists but would love to hear from others who feel they may be able to volunteer to help in any way.
"This could be by providing images of their work, loaning pieces of their work to schools, visiting schools, allowing classes to visit their studios, hosting webcam links while they work or offering anything else that would be of use to teachers and children learning more about local artists."
Artists willing to offer their skills and time should contact Jo on manxcurriculum(at)sch.im or ring 686281/482023.
